Ukraine receives new ambassador to Somalia: Zelensky signs decree

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has appointed Yuriy Tokar as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the Federal Republic of Somalia. The diplomat will perform new duties part-time, continuing to head the Ukrainian diplomatic mission in Kenya.

The relevant decision is enshrined in the Decree of the President of Ukraine No. 717/2026, promulgated on August 11.

Tokar will represent Ukraine in Somalia part-time

According to the decree, Yuriy Tokar has been appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the Federal Republic of Somalia.

At the same time, the diplomat will continue to perform the duties of Ambassador of Ukraine to the Republic of Kenya, to which he was appointed in August 2025.

Thus, the diplomatic mission of Ukraine in Somalia will be carried out part-time.

What is known about Yuriy Tokar

Yuriy Tokar has many years of diplomatic experience. He held various positions in the structure of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, in particular, he worked in the consular direction.

Since August 2025, Tokar has headed the Ukrainian diplomatic mission in Kenya.

In addition, he was previously appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the Union of the Comoros Islands on a part-time basis.

After the new decision of the president, the diplomat will represent the interests of Ukraine in several African states at once.

Personnel changes in Ukrainian diplomacy

The appointment took place against the backdrop of personnel changes in the diplomatic corps of Ukraine.

On August 6, Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a number of decrees regarding Ukrainian diplomatic missions abroad, dismissing several ambassadors in various countries.

Yuriy Tokar’s new appointment continues the renewal of Ukraine’s diplomatic mission and strengthening the state’s work in the African direction.